Randy Moss fined $10,000 for 'sideshow'
NEW YORK, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The National Football League fined Minnesota receiver Randy Moss $10,000 Thursday for behavior that was "insulting to many" at a playoff game in Green Bay.
Moss caught a touchdown pass and then pretended to pull down his pants in front of Green Bay fans.
The fine was issued by Peter Hadhazy, the league's director of game operations.
"Your actions were based on poor judgment, did not reflect well on you or the Vikings, and were insulting to many," Hadhazy said in a letter to Moss.
"They have resulted in widespread criticism and needlessly detracted from Minnesota's dramatic playoff victory. Fans should look to you and your teammates to see how to compete and win in football. But when you lose your focus on playing and engage in sideshows as you did on Sunday, you forfeit much of this."
Baseball sets tougher steroid penalties
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball announced a new drug program Thursday that increases steroid-testing and sets 10-game suspensions for first-time offenders.
The announcement was made in Scottsdale, where owners conducted their quarterly meeting.
Baseball officials and the players union agreed on the new policy, which includes year-round testing for steroids as well as tougher penalties for players who use them. Players will be tested for steroids at least once a year; maybe more. The testing dates will be unannounced, and randomly chosen.
Suspensions will increase after a first positive test, up to a one-year suspension for a fourth offense.
All suspensions will be without pay.
In the old program, players were tested once and only during the baseball season. A player who tested positive for steroids couldn't be suspended until his second offense.
The new policy also adds a number of substances to baseball's list of banned drugs.
"I am gratified that we were able to work with the Players Association to address an issue which threatened the confidence of our fans in the game," Commissioner Bud Selig said.
Philippoussis withdraws at Melbourne
MELBOURNE, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Former Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Mark Philippoussis withdrew Thursday from the Australian Open.
Philippoussis, 28, a native of Melbourne, injured a thigh muscle while playing in the Hopman Cup at Perth, Australia, two weeks ago. He had been undergoing treatment from a chiropractor in an effort to compete in the open, which begins Monday.
Others who have withdrawn because of injuries include Belgians Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters and Jennifer Capriati of the United States.
American Andre Agassi, 34, a four-time Australian Open winner, was questionable after pulling out of an event this week because of a hip injury.
Federer, Davenport seeded No. 1
MELBOURNE, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Switzerland's Roger Federer and American Lindsay Davenport were named the No. 1 seeds Thursday for the 2004 Australian Open.
The tournament -- first grand slam of the year -- begins Monday at Melbourne Park.
Federer, the world's top-ranked player, won the open last year, defeating Russia's Marat Safin in the championship match. The Swiss star also won two other grand slams last year: Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
American Andy Roddick is seeded No. 2 and Australian Lleyton Hewitt is seeded third on the men's side.
Davenport, Amelie Mauresmo of France and Anastasia Myskina of Russia are 1-2-3 among the women.
The women's draw is missing defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium, countrywoman Kim Clijsters and American two-time champion Jennifer Capriati, all out with injuries.
